MSU's Hughes found guilty of misdemeanor domestic violence

STARKVILLE -- Mississippi State sophomore linebacker Chris Hughes recently spent five days in jail after being arrested and found guilty last month of two counts of misdemeanor domestic violence.

Christopher Levy, public information officer with the Mobile Police Department, said Hughes was arrested Aug. 31 on the charges. According to Mobile, Ala., Municipal Court records, Hughes was found guilty of both counts of domestic violence the day of his arrest. Hughes, 20, was sentenced to five days in jail, one year of probation, and mandatory counseling.

Hughes, who is from Mobile, has served the five days in jail, which included MSU's season opener at the University of Memphis. He was released Sept. 6. Hughes was one of five MSU players suspended for the 59-14 victory at Memphis for what MSU officials called "a violation of team policy."

Hughes, who was arrested at a Mobile, Ala., residence, allegedly hit a 17-year-old family member in the eye May 23 and struck a 36-year-old family member repeatedly May 24 during an argument about a car, Levy said. Warrants were subsequently issued for his arrest.

Hughes, who played 11 games last season, hasn't been on MSU's active dress for any of the team's three games this season.

Mullen said Tuesday that Hughes' playing status for the team's game at 6 p.m. Saturday (ESPNU) against Louisiana Tech is unknown, but the sophomore has participated in practice this week.

Hughes was listed as a starter at outside linebacker, but by fall camp he was listed as a backup on the two-deep depth chart behind redshirt freshman Matthew Wells.

When asked last week during a Southeastern Conference teleconference whether Hughes would play in MSU's home opener against No. 3 LSU, Mullen said, "I don't know. We'll see."

Hughes' family also has been dealing with the death of his brother, Justin. The 18-year-old was shot and killed June 17 outside of Mobile. According to The Mobile Press-Register, police say Justin Hughes, 18, exchanged gunfire with a 48-year-old man who confronted the teen about a stolen bicycle.